Dr. W. R. Horner, Waverly’s Oldest Citizen, Dies

Waverly, Tenn., April 24–(Special)–Funeral services were scheduled this afternoon for Dr. William Russell Horner, 96, Humphrey County’s oldest citizen, at Bascom Church, with Elder Russell Scott of Murray, KY., officiating, assisted by Elder Cecil Davis. Burial was in Trinity Cemetery.

Dr. Horner died Saturday night at his home here following a long illness. A native of Perry County, he was the son of the late John and Elizabeth Patterson Horner. He moved to Humphreys County in 1878.

When a young man he taught in Perry County schools, later enrolling as a medical student at the University of Nashville. He began practicing medicine in 1878, serving as a general practitioner until 1936, when he retired from active duty. He was believed to be the oldest doctor in the state.

Dr. Horner had been a member of Primitive Baptist Church since boyhood. His wife, the former Miss Amanda Frances Pace, whom he married in 1869, died several years ago.

Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Lauretta Morgan, Waverly, Mrs. Leila Warren, Nashville, and Mrs. Wiley McKeel, Barberton, Ohio; three sons, Charlie, McEwen, Willliam I, Washington D.C., And J. F. Horner, Waverly; 18 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; one brother, J. F. Horner, Centerville, and two sisters, Mrs. Betty Nix, Linden, and Mrs. Viola Pope, Luray.

Submitted by Alisa McKeel Ottaviano